all, does anyone know whether PA consulting gives good training for new PC starts ?

You can decide your own training with your line manager. There are plenty of options available depending on what practice and service your are entering and what your goals are. You can mix consulting, selling and management training.

Thanks Depends - would you say the quality of training is strong and would you have the time to invest in training in the beginning or are you immediately thrown at the deep end ?

Well, we're not going to normally going to hire a PC who we don't think couldn't immediately add value to clients so you are expected to bring a strong and relevant skill set.It would be good for you to get on fees asap after joining as it will make transition in easier. Nevertheless, training is part of your objectives so you'd be expected to take relevant training within your first year. If you happen to have off the clock time towards the beginning of your time at PA, that's as good a time as any, subject to the right courses being scheduled at the same time.Most PA training is developed in house by consultants and I have found it to be very useful.